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Digging Deeper: Motocross Facts That Will Surprise You
Motocross has been around for 100 years, and while many enthusiasts know the basics, there are some interesting facts to learn about:
History:
"Scrambles" Before Motocross:
The term "motocross" itself is a blend of the French word "motocyclette" (motorcycle) and "cross country."
Before it was known as motocross, the sport originated in the UK in the early 20th century from motorcycle trials competitions and was commonly called "hare scrambles" or simply "scrambles."
The phrase is said to have come from "a rare old scramble" describing an early race.
The First Official Race:
The first known scramble race took place in Camberley, Surrey, England, in 1924.
This marked the beginning of the sport as we know it, with a focus on speed to the finish rather than just delicate balancing.
Early Bike Evolution was Swift:
Off-road motorcycles in the early days differed little from street bikes. However, the intense competition rapidly led to technological improvements.
Rigid frames gave way to suspension in the early 1930s, and swinging fork rear suspension appeared by the early 1950s – several years before it was incorporated into most production street bikes.
Two-Stroke Dominance Had a Clear Beginning:
While two-strokes became synonymous with motocross for decades, a significant turning point was the 1963 FIM Motocross World Championship.
A ČZ factory rider, Vlastimil Valek, won a moto in the 500cc class on a 263cc two-stroke, beating out more powerful four-stroke machines. This victory signalled the shift towards lighter, more agile two-stroke bikes.
Motocross's American Arrival Was a Sales Tactic:
While the AMA had sanctioned motocross races in the US as early as 1959, the sport "blew up" in America in the 1960s.
This was largely due to Edison Dye, who worked for Husqvarna motorcycles and brought Swedish champions like Torsten Hallman to the US for exhibition events. His motive was to sell more Husqvarna bikes, and it worked well
Technical & Mechanical:
Chainsaws Can Be More Powerful:
Some chainsaws can have more horsepower than certain dirt bike engines, especially smaller 50cc models.
Dirt bike engines prioritise torque and power delivery for off-road obstacles rather than sheer top speed.
Production Bike Foundation:
While highly tuned, professional motocross bikes are built from production models. One-off builds are typically not allowed, a rule that's been in effect since 1986.
This means the bikes raced by pros are fairly close to what you can buy from a dealership, albeit with heavily customised suspension and engine tuning.
The Weight of Mud:
When tracks get wet, bikes can pick up a surprising amount of mud – sometimes as much as 65 pounds (29 kilograms)! This significantly impacts bike performance and changes the fastest lines on the track.
Suspension Evolution: Early motocross bikes offered minimal suspension. Today's bikes feature advanced inverted forks and monoshock rear suspension, a huge leap from the basic fork and twin shock systems of the past.
These innovations allow for superior shock absorption and stability.
Water Cooling was a Game Changer:
For decades, bikes relied solely on air cooling. In the early 1980s, the introduction of water cooling systems revolutionised engine efficiency, preventing overheating and maintaining power output, especially in muddy or high-stress conditions.
Rider & Behind-the-Scenes Facts:
Motocross is an incredibly demanding sport. Riders burn lots of calories, strengthen numerous muscle groups (core, back, legs, upper body), and need exceptional cardiovascular fitness and endurance.
Often compared to being a full-body workout.
Rigorous Diet and Hydration:
Professional motocross riders adhere to strict diets focusing on complex carbohydrates, lean protein, and healthy fats.
Hydration is paramount, with iders often needing over 3.7 litres of water daily, especially during training and races, to combat dehydration and maintain mental clarity and stamina.
The Tracks are all different
In Supercross, in particular, the track itself is as important as the riders. A 20-member crew can take 60 hours to construct a track from 5,500 cubic yards (26 million pounds) of dirt. No two Supercross tracks are ever duplicated (with rare exceptions for retro events).
Advanced-Data Tracking:
Modern pro teams use GPS antennas and sensors (e.g., LITPro) to track rider positions, jumps, and other analytics in real-time.
This allows them to fine-tune bike settings and rider techniques to shave off crucial seconds.
The "Super Bowl of Motocross" Coined Supercross:
The term "Supercross" was actually coined in 1971 by combining "Super Bowl" and "motocross" after a successful stadium race at the Los Angeles Coliseum.
This format brought the sport to a wider audience with its thrilling jumps and artificial obstacles.
Amateur Leagues Use Pro Tracks:
Organisations like Supercross Futures offer amateur leagues where riders, even as young as school age, can train on the same tracks as the pros, albeit with some bumps and jumps toned down for accessibility.
These facts highlight the rich history, technological advancements, and immense dedication required to excel in the world of motocross.
